Top 10 Mistakes Students Make on the SAT — and How to Avoid Them

Ace Academy
Nov 5
5 min read

Updated: Nov 6

Introduction: Why Every Point on the SAT Counts

The SAT is more than a test — it’s a gateway to college admissions, scholarships, and future opportunities. Whether your goal is to attend a top-tier university or secure merit aid, even a small score improvement can make a big difference.

Unfortunately, many students approach SAT prep with enthusiasm but little strategy. They dive into practice tests, watch random videos, or study inconsistent topics — and end up stuck in the same score range.

At Prepaze Academy, we’ve helped thousands of students across the U.S. and abroad turn confusion into confidence. From online SAT classes to personalized SAT tutoring, our data-driven approach helps students not just study harder — but smarter.

Let’s explore the top 10 mistakes students make on the SAT — and how to avoid them so you can achieve your best score yet.

A student appears overwhelmed and exhausted while sitting at a library table surrounded by textbooks and notebooks, capturing a moment of academic stress.

Starting SAT Prep Too Late

One of the most common errors is waiting until junior year (or worse, a few months before the test) to start. The SAT tests years of reading, writing, and math skills, not just what you learned last semester.

Starting early allows for steady improvement and gives room to master difficult topics. For many, joining an SAT prep course USA or SAT tutoring Dublin CA program in sophomore year provides the right foundation.

Prepaze Tip: Begin your prep at least six months in advance. Use structured SAT and ACT test prep programs that include diagnostics, personalized study plans, and progress tracking.

Focusing Only on Weak Areas (and Ignoring Strengths)

It’s natural to spend more time on difficult sections — but over-focusing on one area can cause your strengths to slip.

A balanced prep plan should maintain reading speed, grammar accuracy, and math fluency. Our SAT score improvement programs at Prepaze emphasize a full-spectrum approach that boosts overall performance — not just one section.

Student Story – Aarav from India: Aarav had strong math skills but struggled with SAT Reading. He joined our online SAT prep USA program and worked with an online English tutor specializing in comprehension and vocabulary. By the test date, he improved his Reading score by 120 points and achieved a 1510 overall — enough to earn a scholarship at a U.S. university.

Skipping Official Practice Tests

Many students rely solely on books or videos without taking full-length, timed practice tests. This mistake leads to poor time management and anxiety on test day.

Prepaze integrates official SAT practice test online sessions into every SAT prep course USA, giving students real test-day experience.

Prepaze Tip: Take at least five official practice tests before exam day. Review mistakes carefully — they’re your best teachers.

Ignoring the Digital SAT Format

With the Digital SAT 2025 now adaptive, shorter, and online, ignoring its unique structure is a big mistake. The new format demands familiarity with digital tools, pacing, and the adaptive question model.

Digital SAT vs. ACT — which is better for you? Prepaze counselors help students decide based on their test-taking style. Our online SAT classes include digital simulation tools to mirror the actual experience.

Student Story – Sofia from North Carolina: Sofia was nervous about switching from paper to digital tests. After enrolling in SAT tutoring Apex NC, she practiced in our adaptive online platform. By test day, she felt completely at ease — scoring 300 points higher than her diagnostic test.

Memorizing Instead of Understanding

Many students try to memorize formulas or vocabulary rather than learning how to apply them. The SAT rewards reasoning and logic, not rote memorization.

Our SAT math tutoring USA and ACT English tutoring near me programs train students to analyze patterns, not just recall facts — leading to consistent accuracy.

Not Creating a Study Plan

Without a roadmap, prep becomes chaotic. Jumping between random topics causes burnout and low retention.

Prepaze students learn how to create an SAT study plan customized to their goals and timelines. With daily goals, weekly assessments, and tutor feedback, they stay organized and motivated.

Prepaze Tip: Allocate study blocks by skill level — not by chapter. For example, spend extra time on data analysis or evidence-based reading if your diagnostics show weakness there.

Neglecting Reading and Writing Practice

The Reading and Writing section isn’t just about understanding English — it’s about speed, accuracy, and evidence-based answers.

Our reading and writing tutoring programs and grammar and vocabulary classes USA focus on SAT reading tips for better scores, helping students decode complex passages and strengthen their grammar precision.

Student Story – Ethan from Dublin, CA: Ethan was a math whiz but scored low on Reading. Through English tutoring Dublin CA and targeted reading comprehension drills, he improved his verbal score by 150 points and gained confidence in essay-based college applications.

Comparing the SAT and ACT Without Strategy

Some students assume the SAT and ACT are interchangeable. They’re not.

The ACT has a faster pace and includes a Science section, while the SAT focuses more on reasoning and problem-solving. Prepaze helps students analyze digital SAT vs. ACT — which is better for you?, using diagnostic tools to match each student with the test that fits their strengths.

Prepaze Tip: Take an initial assessment for both exams. Then, focus deeply on one — that’s how Prepaze students improved their test scores most efficiently.

Neglecting Mental and Physical Prep

Test anxiety, poor sleep, and skipping breaks can tank even the most prepared student’s performance.

Prepaze mentors teach test-day mindset techniques, breathing exercises, and sleep routines — all part of our personalized tutoring services philosophy.

Student Story – Maya from Singapore: Maya had strong scores but froze under pressure. Through weekly sessions with her private English tutor and guided mock tests, she learned to manage anxiety. On her final SAT, she scored a 1560 — her dream score.

Trying to Prep Alone

Finally, one of the biggest mistakes: going it alone. Online videos and apps are great resources, but without expert feedback, students often plateau.

Our one-on-one SAT tutoring and online ACT classes combine personal attention with adaptive technology, ensuring steady improvement. Whether you’re seeking a best SAT tutor near me or ACT tutoring Morrisville NC, Prepaze connects you with experts who care about your success.

The Prepaze Advantage: Smarter Prep, Higher Scores

What makes Prepaze different? We don’t believe in cookie-cutter programs. Every student receives a customized study plan, adaptive learning modules, and weekly progress reports.

Our programs include:

Personalized tutoring — 1:1 sessions for focused learning
Online SAT and ACT classes — flexible schedules for high school students
Proven results — average score improvement of 150–250 points
Expert instructors — from top universities, trained in digital SAT and ACT strategy
Global access — students from the U.S., India, Singapore, and beyond

Whether it’s SAT tutoring Dublin CA, ACT prep Apex NC, or online SAT prep USA, Prepaze has helped students transform their academic futures.

Ready to Reach Your Dream Score?

The SAT is not about perfection — it’s about preparation. Avoiding these ten common mistakes can be the difference between a good score and a great one.

With Prepaze’s SAT and ACT test prep programs, you’ll gain: